Page 10 of Sweet Thing

Chapter 4

MODERN LOVE

Simeon picked up a freshly poured glass of apple juice and made his way to the front door, winking at a very flustered Alex as he passed. He stepped outside onto the street and the chilled night air. Darkness had fallen, and streetlights blazed. A photographer accosted Simeon immediately and asked to take his photograph by the front window, so that the event poster was in the background. Sim happily obliged, and worked through his signature poses, but regretted being so affable as soon as other photographers and guests with smartphones took advantage, jostling one another for a shot of the androgynous male model.

Sim escaped when a German TV starlet arrived, and the hoard moved on to her. He strode a little way down the street and leaned on the shuttered door of the neighboring shop, closed his eyes and steadied himself with deep cleansing breaths. When Simeon opened his eyes a handsome, sharply suited man was standing in front of him. He was as tall as Simeon, but well-built around the shoulders when compared to Sim’s slender frame. His visage had a Scandinavian appearance; lightly tanned skin, strawberry blond hair with a hint of blond stubble lining his angular jaw. His eyes were a startling arctic blue. He was possibly in his mid-thirties, but not over forty, Sim deduced. The man’s aftershave was strong, floral, and expensive. There was an air of power and masculinity about his countenance.

"Haben... sie feuer?" (Do you have a light?) the man asked in a smoky German baritone.

Simeon shook his head, “I don’t smoke.”

“That is a relief; I hate smoking… filthy habit.” The man grinned, displaying perfect white teeth, as his gaze roamed the androgynous features of Simeon’s face. “Have we met before?” he enquired.

As chat up lines went, Sim had heard this one too many times before. He usually told uninventive men to fuck off, but this guy… Yes, this man looked like an interesting proposition. He felt a rush of heat to his groin, and that incendiary look the man was sending could have made his balls explode there and then. This blond, blue-eyed hottie was not a man he would forget in a hurry. He shook his head and blushed coquettishly. “Nope. We’ve never met. Have you, uh, seen the work?” Sim breathed, nearly dizzied with lust.

“Not yet, I’ve just arrived. Would you care to join me?” The man paused, waiting for a name to run with.

“Simeon, Simeon Duchamp.” Simeon stuttered.

“A pleasure to meet you, Simeon, Simeon Duchamp.” the man replied with a chuckle.

Simeon blushed from head to toe, and a flash of heat gripped at his balls. “Bastian Roth,” the man introduced, offering his hand. The name sounded familiar, but Sim couldn’t quite place it. Simeon took Bastian’s hand, anchoring his blue eyes with his own chocolate brown gaze. Bastian’s hand was distinctly male, strong with broad, thick fingers and manicured fingernails. Simeon couldn’t deny the electricity he felt with the stranger's touch. They stood holding hands, devouring one another with hungry stares for longer than strictly necessary.

Sim flashed his eyes, “You can, uh, let go!” His lips formed the words slowly and seductively. Bastian loosened his grip, appearing to be entranced by the younger man. Sim offered a wide, brilliant smile. He pushed himself off the door and strode back into the throng of the gallery once more.

Bastian linked his arm through Simeon’s as they entered the gallery, claiming him. The intimacy of the action made Sim want to purr with satisfaction. Through the crowd, Sim spied Pieter and Emily chatting with Lena and Gretchen. Now wasn’t the time to interrupt and Simeon would much rather follow up on the hot businessman he’d just met. He glanced to the side to see Bastian was looking over at the painting ‘Our Awakening.'

Bastian maneuvered Sim to stand in front of the artwork. “Sublime isn’t he. This one is all mine.” Bastian stated proudly on seeing the red dot beside the title placard.

“I’m afraid it’s not. I overheard someone say that they were supposed to reserve it for a Bastian, which I’m guessing is you, but it was already sold before the exhibition opened.”

“WHAT!” Bastian roared his face suddenly a mask of fury. Simeon blanched as the man pushed passed him and stormed off. So much for that, hot while it lasted! Simeon sighed gazing at Bastian’s surprisingly tight thighs, squeezed into the suit trousers as he stalked away.

Simeon felt another arm link his, and then he was being pulled over toward Gretchen, Lena, and Emily. He tried to resist and groaned as Pieter said:

“Be strong little Sim; you’ve been summoned. And Emily promised to keep her boobs in her dress!” Simeon blushed. The only thing that prevented him from bolting out of the door was that Pieter had trapped him by linking his arm.

“What was that all about?” Emily asked as Sim joined their group.

“He thought that he’d bought that painting, but it was sold to someone else. He was pretty mad.”

“Not as mad as me! Everything else in the show is between thirty thousand and fifty thousand Euros. I put a crazy price on that painting because I really wanted to keep it. I’m kicking myself now. I can’t believe someone paid two hundred grand.”

“It’s a stunning painting Emily, seriously, what did you expect? I think you should blame Pieter for being so ridiculously pretty. Who could resist those ‘come to bed’ eyes?” Gretchen joked mischievously. Emily shot an adoring gaze at Pieter.

“Ah, but it's Emily’s talent that translated his beauty onto canvas so well,” Lena added sagely.

“Hmmm, yes, I guess the marriage of talent and a beautiful bottom must be worth two hundred grand. No?” Gretchen countered studiously, flashing an amused eye at Pieter.

“Stop it you two. I’m standing right here, you know.“ Pieter’s cheeks were scarlet, and they all laughed at his discomfort. Emily reached out and caught Pieter’s hand; he pulled her to his chest and enclosed her in his arms.

“So Sim, how have you been?” Gretchen asked stiffly, trying to steal his attention from the hugging couple.

“Not so good, but I’m getting better. And you both. Are you well?” He replied with equal stony awkwardness.

“Oh, for crying-out-loud.” Emily interrupted exasperated. “You’ve all missed each other. Admit it. Life’s too short. Let’s just hug it out, and move on! Gretchen for God’s sake, hug Sim.” she cajoled. Gretchen and Simeon both screwed up their faces in alarm. Pieter, Lena, and Emily burst out laughing.

“I truly am sorry, Gretchen, Lena. I was unwell. I know you all tried to help me and I threw it back in your faces. I was just scared and lost, but I’m better now. I completed my Rehab, I’m clean, sober and working again. I really did miss all you guys. Please, Gretchen....” Simeon’s large doe eyes filled with tears.